Bracknell police officer guarding Olympic Torch

Sergeant David Thompson, 40 is one of the Torch Security Team who will guard the runners as the flame is taken from Land’s End to the Olympic Stadium in London

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A police officer from Bracknell has been selected to provide security to athletes carrying the Olympic torch.

Sergeant David Thompson, 40, a Met Police officer of 17 years, is one of the Torch Security Team (TST), who will guard the runners as the flame is taken from Land’s End to the Olympic Stadium in London.

At all times three police officers will form a “protective bubble” around the torchbearer and there will also be officers on motorcycles travelling nearby and officers on bicycles ahead of the runner.

Sports fanatic Sgt Thompson was selected out of 664 applicants after an eight-month selection process.

His mum and dad were both athletes and he has spent his entire life following the sport.

He is a also keen footballer, playing in two Met Police teams as well as in The Welsh Football League.

Sgt Thompson is a keen runner and has run a number of half and full marathons.

He will be on duty in a number of towns, including when the flame comes to Bracknell on Tuesday, July 10.

In preparing for the role Sgt Thompson has had to up his training, including hiring a personal trainer, spinning, running, speed work and hill training, as well as racing around after his two young sons.

He said: “It means everything to me to be part of the Olympics, something I’ve always been a spectator of.

“It also means I will be able to tell my grandchildren, ‘I did that, I was part of history’.

“I think there will be a sense of pride as I run through my home towns and that is the part I am looking forward to the most.”

Once the games begin he will keep a watchful eye on the athletics, particularly the 100m final and the marathon events.

He has already travelled extensively to watch football and athletics, including the games in Barcelona in 1992 and international football games in Sweden, France and Italy.

The team will also perform the same duties for the Paralympic torch carriers, who will set off after the London Games end.